REMEMBER Paul Tanchi, the combo guard from Ateneo?
He is now playing a big role in the life of his former collegiate rival, Mac Cardona, who is now making a PBA comeback.
Mr. Tanchi is now the spiritual and life adviser of Mr. Cardona, the newest member of the GlobalPort Batang Pier and the veteran cager is thankful to have his old rival as now one of his closest allies.
“I’m surprised that Paul Tanchi became my spiritual adviser,” Mr. Cardona said. “He’s my mentor. Whenever I go to the church, he’s there. I didn’t expect that to happen.”
Both Messrs. Tanchi and Cardona met several times in the heated Ateneo-La Salle rivalry in the UAAP.
Unlike Mr. Cardona, who became one of the best players the league has ever produced for the past 10 years, Mr. Tanchi didn’t pursue a career in the PBA. Instead, Tanchi devoted his time with the Christian Commission Fellowship (CCF) where he became a speaker.
When Cardona entered one of the darkest chapters of his life by attempting suicide, he found hope in getting his life back on track thru Mr. Tanchi.
Mr. Cardona is on a comeback trail and on Sunday, he played his first game for the GlobalPort Batang Pier. He scored four points in barely eight minutes of playing time.
For Mr. Cardona, being idle for over a year makes him feel like a rookie again.
“I feel like I’m a rookie again, especially now that I’m reunited with Coach Franz (Pumaren),” said Mr. Cardona. “I’m thankful for the opportunity of being able to play again in the PBA. This is something I didn’t expect.”
Mr. Cardona has gone full circles playing under Mr. Pumaren, his old coach with the La Salle Green Archers. Their partnership brought the Green Archers to four straight championships from 1998 to 2001. — Rey Joble
